The 7 Most Crime-Ridden National Parks

America’s national parks are treasures of natural beauty, drawing over 325 million visitors annually to explore their trails, vistas, and wildlife. However, these vast landscapes are not immune to crime. From petty theft to rare but alarming violent incidents, crime in national parks poses unique challenges due to their remote locations and limited law enforcement resources.

The National Park Service (NPS) reported approximately 1,800 criminal incidents across all parks in 2023, ranging from vandalism to assaults. This article examines the 7 parks with notable crime rates.

Understanding Crime in National Parks

The NPS oversees more than 400 park units spanning 85 million acres, with a workforce of about 20,000, including 7,000 seasonal employees. Crime data, while not always publicly detailed for each park, indicates that theft—particularly vehicle break-ins and stolen camping gear—is the most prevalent issue. Violent crimes, such as assaults or homicides, are rare but highly publicized due to the parks’ reputation as safe havens.

In 2023, the NPS logged around 200 violent incidents across all parks, a small fraction of total visits but significant for affected visitors.

The challenges of policing national parks are immense. Remote areas often lack cell service, and ranger-to-visitor ratios can be as low as one ranger per 4,474 acres, as noted by a Reddit user: “And the NPS is responsible for more than 85 million acres of land.

So, great, one person for every 4,474 acres. Obviously that’ll be fine 🙄”. High visitor volumes, especially in popular parks, create opportunities for opportunistic crimes, while alcohol and drug use in campgrounds can escalate tensions.

National Parks with Notable Crime Rates

While comprehensive crime rankings for individual parks are not always available, certain parks stand out due to their size, visitor numbers, or reported incidents. Below are seven parks frequently cited for crime, based on NPS data and discussions on X and Reddit, enriched with quotes reflecting real experiences.

1. Yosemite National Park (California)

Yosemite, with over 4 million visitors annually, is a hotspot for petty crime. Vehicle break-ins at trailheads like Yosemite Valley are common, with NPS reporting over 200 theft-related incidents in 2023. A Reddit user shared, “I worked for NPS and every morning I would read the internal web page of things that happened in parks. Any park can be dangerous and deadly.

Crime happens in all parks”. Violent incidents, though rare, have occurred, including assaults in crowded campgrounds. The park’s accessibility and high traffic make it a target for thieves, as one X user noted: “Yosemite parking lots are like a buffet for car burglars. Smash and grab is too easy”.

2. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)

The Grand Canyon’s 5 million annual visitors face risks from theft and occasional violent crime. NPS data from 2023 shows around 150 incidents, primarily vehicle break-ins at the South Rim. A high-profile 2019 murder case highlighted rare but serious risks.

A Reddit commenter observed, “There are SO many people taking selfies in dangerous/restricted areas at the GC. My kid and I kept thinking they were going to die for Instagram”, pointing to reckless behavior that can escalate safety issues.

The park’s vast trails and crowded viewpoints leave visitors vulnerable to opportunistic crimes.

3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee/North Carolina)

With over 12 million visitors yearly, Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited national park, and its proximity to urban areas contributes to crime. NPS reported approximately 300 incidents in 2023, including vandalism, theft, and drug-related offenses.

A Reddit user remarked, “Great Smokies have the most citations issued annually. Soooo, does that mean it’s the most dangerous?”. Secluded trails and high traffic increase risks, as an X post warned: “Smokies trails feel safe, but don’t leave your car unlocked. Learned that the hard way”.

4. Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)

Rocky Mountain’s 4.5 million visitors in 2023 correlated with about 100 incidents, mostly vehicle thefts and break-ins. Its proximity to Denver attracts both tourists and thieves. A Reddit user shared, “I’m preparing for no pre-registration for park entry this year. A total soup sandwich”, highlighting how staffing shortages may exacerbate crime response issues.

The park’s busy trailheads are prime targets, as one X user noted: “Rocky’s parking lots are a thief’s playground. Never leave gear in sight”.

5. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming/Montana/Idaho)

Yellowstone’s 4.5 million visitors and vast 2.2 million acres make policing difficult. NPS logged around 200 incidents in 2023, including theft, vandalism, and rare violent crimes like assaults. Missing persons cases often draw media attention.

A Reddit user lamented, “I’m in utter disbelief every day that people think our national parks – what? They’re just kept pristine and usable and functional by magic?”, underscoring the strain on resources that can worsen crime response. An X post cautioned: “Yellowstone’s backcountry is no joke. Stay vigilant, people”.

6. Zion National Park (Utah)

Zion’s 4.7 million visitors in 2023 faced risks from theft and overcrowding-related incidents. NPS reported about 120 incidents, with vehicle break-ins and trailhead thefts leading. The park’s narrow canyons and packed trails can create tense situations.

A Reddit user noted, “The issue was publicized as ‘Utahns know how to manage our land better than the Federal Government – Uncle Sam out!’ I suspect the real motivation to the power brokers was ‘We’re losing a chance to make all this money because the Feds won’t let us’”, linking local pressures to park management challenges.

An X user advised: “Zion’s shuttle lots are sketchy at night. Lock everything”.

7. Gateway Arch National Park (Missouri)

Unlike traditional wilderness parks, Gateway Arch is urban, located in St. Louis, which has one of the highest murder rates per capita in the U.S. NPS data from 2023 shows around 80 incidents, with crime influenced by the surrounding city.

A Reddit user explained, “Statistically, it’s got to be the Gateway Arch lol. Highest murder rate per capita in the US. The ‘park’ is in the city, where you’re most likely to be a victim of crime in America”. An X post echoed: “Gateway Arch isn’t your typical park. City crime spills over, no question”.

Factors Contributing to Crime

Several factors drive crime in national parks:

High Visitor Numbers: Parks like Great Smoky Mountains and Yosemite see millions, increasing crime opportunities.
Remote Locations: Limited ranger presence and poor cell service delay responses, as a Reddit user noted: “National Park staff on bluesky are mentioning trails being closed already since there are not enough staff for safe monitoring”.
Opportunistic Theft: Unattended vehicles and gear are easy targets, especially at trailheads.
Substance Use: Alcohol and drugs in campgrounds can lead to altercations, as seen in NPS incident reports.
Staffing Shortages: Recent layoffs exacerbate issues, with a Reddit user stating, “I tracked the firings at some of the most popular parks and it seems like between 1 and 2% of total staff”.

Broader Impacts and Concerns

Crime is not the only concern for park safety. Staffing reductions, as discussed in 2025 Reddit threads, threaten maintenance and security. One user warned, “Summer 2025 will be a shit show. Soon the NPS will collapse and our public lands will wither before being parcelled off to be pillaged”. On X, a user expressed frustration: “NPS firings are gutting our parks. Expect trash, closed trails, and more crime”. These sentiments reflect fears that underfunding could amplify crime by reducing ranger presence.

Additionally, reckless visitor behavior contributes to safety issues. A Reddit user observed, “After 60 orbits I’ve come to one irrevocable conclusion – people can be really stupid sometimes”, referencing incidents like dangerous selfies or ignoring park rules. Such actions strain resources and can escalate minor issues into serious ones.

Staying Safe in National Parks

Visitors can reduce risks with these precautions:

Secure Valuables: Lock vehicles and avoid leaving items visible. Use bear-proof containers for gear.
Travel in Groups: Solo hiking increases vulnerability, especially in remote areas like Yellowstone’s backcountry.
Stay Informed: Check NPS alerts or park-specific websites for recent incidents or closures.
Plan for Limited Services: With staffing cuts, bring extra food, water, and a bathroom plan, as a Reddit user advised: “Have a bathroom plan. With the firings bathrooms could be filthy or overflowing maybe even locked”.
Report Suspicious Activity: Contact rangers immediately if you observe concerning behavior, though response times may vary.
Respect Rules: Follow park guidelines to avoid contributing to safety issues, as reckless behavior can divert resources from crime prevention.

Supporting National Parks

Beyond personal safety, visitors can support parks facing crime and staffing challenges:

Advocate for Funding: Contact representatives to highlight the economic and cultural value of parks, as a Reddit user suggested: “In addition to posting here, you might consider calling, or writing, to the US Representatives in each of the National Park areas”.
Visit Responsibly: Adhere to Leave No Trace principles to reduce strain on park resources.
Consider State Parks: With NPS staffing issues, explore state parks, as one Reddit user planned: “We’re considering focusing on some of our many wonderful state parks in MN which still have full funding rather than a NP”.

Crime in National Parks

National parks like Yosemite, Grand Canyon, and Great Smoky Mountains offer unparalleled beauty but face crime challenges due to high visitation, remote terrains, and strained resources. Real voices from X and Reddit highlight the impact of theft, staffing shortages, and visitor behavior on park safety. By staying informed, taking precautions, and advocating for park funding, visitors can help preserve these natural wonders. For the latest safety updates, consult the NPS website or park-specific alerts before your trip.

Note: Crime data is based on NPS reports and public discussions up to 2025. Exact figures may vary, and visitors should verify conditions with official sources. Quotes from X and Reddit reflect user perspectives and may not represent all experiences.